Connecticut’s Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn, there was nobody like her, probably never will be. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Katharine Hepburn is still the record holder for the number of Academy Awards won. She brought home four. Only actress Meryl Streep has been nominated more times than Hepburn and for the record is closing in on Hepburn.

Hepburn was iconic in every way. Her brash get-out-of-my-way style, served her well. That strong-willed determination still has the world talking about her everyday. I know this because I have a Google alert search going for her name and several times a day up pops Katharine Hepburn.

I write about Ms. Hepburn constantly because I am on the Board of Trustees for the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The theater opened in September of 2009 and we’re going gang busters. I have written the blog on The Kate’s web site for more than two years. You will find a treasure trove there about the legendary actress.
The venue has a museum to Hepburn and there you will find some of her Hollywood film wardrobe, her Lifetime Achievement Award, her Emmy and other wonderful goodies. So that means get in the car and take a tour. Make sure to take in a show…we run the gamut from music to film to comedy to live opera. it is my home away from home.
Incidentally on May 12th, on what would have been Hepburn’s 103rd birthday, the U.S. Postal service will unveil the Katharine Hepburn stamp. It’s the hope that will take place at The Kate. I have seen the photo they chose for the stamp and it’s a beauty. A giant replica of it will be on permanent display at cultural arts center. The place is a jewel box. I have referred to it as “a gem of a place with a movie star name” and trust me that’s just what it is.

Hepburn lived in the Fenwick section of Old Saybrook on Long Island Sound…it was her summer retreat from the glaring lights of Hollywood and it was a place she called her paradise. She spent her last days on the planet there. You can see her mansion on the water from the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa and for the month of May they have put together a Hepburn package that is to die for. Complete with Hepburn’s famous chocolate brownies.

First, melt chocolate and butter in heavy saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Add eggs along with vanilla and beat like mad. Stir in flour, salt, and the chopped walnuts—not smashed up, you know, just chopped up into fairly good-sized pieces.

Now mix all that up. Then you butter a square tin (8 x 8 in.) and dump the whole thing quickly into the pan. Stuff this pan into a preheated 325°F oven for 40 minutes. After that, take out the pan and let it cool for a while. Then cut into 1½ x 1 squares and dive right in.

5 Comments

Ann,
I have enjoyed reading your blog lately, you touched on two of my favorites Mame and Kate!
I had the opportunity to see Katherine Hepurn’s home inside and out, after it had been sold. What amazing views!! What an amazing home!!
I also wanted to say “Thank You” for all you do for the Katherine Hepburn Theater. My 9 year old daughter Alexis had the opportunity this past fall to audition and participate in the play King Arthur’s Quest. I spent the week, taking pictures and supporting her and her friends. What a wonderful gift that was to the children, to be able to participate in such an event.
Peace Annie Mame
DorisC

Doris,
Thanks so much for writing in. I’m so happy you are enjoying The Kate. We are trying to make this a wonderful family place for all ages and I’m so happy your daughter was able to participate in King Arthur’s Quest. I’m making it my mission to write about so many wonderful things going on in this state that nobody knows about. I so appreciate your comments.

The group from the Missoula Children’s Theatre were SO great with all the children! There are not a lot of opportunities when it comes to the arts or theatre for kids, that does not cost the parents an arm and a leg. I grew up in Hamden and have fond memories of the drama dept and all the plays and musicals in Jr. High and High School I participated in!

I had an opportunity to view Kates home after she passed away not once but twice. As a real estate agent I have to admit one of my appts was set up using one of my cousins as the “buyer”. She flew all the way from California. I’m such a Kate addict and have been since I was a little girl !! My grandmother, ( and Paticks) actually did some work with her back in the dsay on Broad way.